Garden Design Element – Line

The line is an extension of the point and is related to eye movement or flow. In the overall landscape, the line is inferred in the arrangement of space and its divisions. The line is one of the structural aspects of landscaping mostly related to beds, pathways and entryways. In other words whenever a lawn meets a pathway or a pathway meets a planting scheme, a line occurs.

A line can describe a beautiful rose…

Or it can define a path in Monet’s garden.

Therefore by controling, during the design stage, where you place your lines you will determine very simply where the various elements will be placed. One set of lines will define your pathways and show where your lawn begins. Another line will define the division between your lawn and your planting beds.

Straight lines are forceful, structured and stable, directing the eye to a point. Curved or free-flowing lines are smooth, graceful and gentle, creating a relaxing, progressive, natural feel.

One of the most useful naturally occurring lines in landscape design is the horizon line, the line that divides your local landscape from the sky. If you are in a position where you have borrowed a focal point from the local landscape then you probably have a visible and useful horizon line. This line can be used to inform the divisions within your garden. If you chose to do this don’t simply follow the horizon line, instead allow it to inform what you are doing in dividing up you available space.

Tip: Simply think of line as the division between areas; between terrace and lawn, between lawn and flower border etc. The line does not have to consist of anything, but is simply inferred. You can of course create a line if you chose, using edging materials for your driveway, timber edgings to planting areas or a narrow strip of lawn between different types of planting beds.